Pi165 Scatophagus argues (Spotted scat, Butterfish)
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Actinopterygii
Order:
Perciformes
Family:
Scatophagidae
Genus:
Scatophagus
Species:
S. argues
Description:
It occurs in two basic colour morphs which are
called green scat and ruby or red scat. This fish is
generally distributed around the Indo-Pacific region, to Japan, New Guinea, and South Eastern
Australia. They live in coastal muddy areas, including estuaries, mangroves,
harbours, and the lower courses of rivers. They are popular aquarium fish. Scatophagus
argus has a body which is rectangular and strongly compressed with the
head having a steep dorsal profile. It has a moderately large eye which has a
diameter noticeably smaller than the length of the rounded, snout. They have a
small, horizontal mouth which is not protractile. There are a number of rows of
small bristle like teeth in the jaws. The dorsal fin has 10-11 spines and 16-18 soft rays, while
the anal fin has 4 spines and
13-15 soft rays. Spines and rays of the dorsal fin are separated by a deep
notch and the first spine in the dorsal fin lies flat.
IUCN
Status:
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